Replicas and Originals at the Rizal Shrine in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines

Dr. Jose Rizal is the Philippines' national hero. He spent some of his final years in exile at Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines. Rizal was in Dapitan City from March 1893 to 31 July 1896. To this date, Dapitan City is closely associated with Rizal. Many of the city's tourist attractions has relations to Rizal's life in exile. Dapitan City is referred to as the Rizal City of the South and the Shrine City of the South. Both nicknames having reference to the national hero. Sadly though, very little of the Rizalian artifacts are preserved. The good news though is that through extensive research, replicas of the originals have been made. Let us explore the original artifacts and replicas in this post. Many of these are found at the Rizal Shrine in the barangay of Talisay.

Mi Retiro Rock 

Since the Mi Retiro Rock is a natural feature, there is reason to believe that this is an original. It is widely believed that Rizal wrote the poem "Mi Retiro" on this rock, thus the name. Another name for this rock is "Lover's Rock". That is because it is also widely believed that Rizal and his lover Josephine Bracken spent many romantic moments here.

Mi Retiro Rock or Lover's Rock

Casa Residencia

Many of the buildings Rizal built in his time in Dapitan City were not preserved. Instead, replicas were made. One of these replicas is the Casa Residencia. This is where he lived while in exile.

Casa Residencia

Casa Cuadrada 

While in exile at Dapitan City, Rizal spent a significant amount of his time teaching. He established a community school. The curriculum included reading and writing in Spanish and English, geography, history, mathematics, industrial work, nature study, morals, and gymnastics. Arithmetic, algebra, and geometry were also taught as part of the mathematics instruction. To accommodate a growing number of students in the school, Rizal constructed the Casa Cuadrada as a dormitory. The area below the house was also utilized as a workshop. A replica of the Casa Cuadrada now stands at the Rizal Shrine.

Casa Cuadrada

Rizal's Kitchen

A replica of Rizal's kitchen is also found at the Rizal Shrine.

Replica of Rizal's Kitchen

200 Year Old Tree

Just right outside the replica of Rizal's kitchen stands a tall and proud baluno tree. The tree is at least 200 years old.

Rizal's Clothes 

Some of Dr. Jose Rizal's clothing were preserved. It is now displayed at the Rizal Shrine. These are one of the few original items that have been preserved.

Rizal's Table and Blackboard

Another original Rizalian artifact that was preserved is Rizal's table and blackboard. These are now on display at the Rizal Shrine.

Rizal's desk and blackboard

Note: Photos are courtesy of Maria Lyra Lumbab-Boholst and  Imee Fatima Aliñabon-Nejudne.

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